As they grow up, girls are often told that every woman's period is different. Some girls experience more pain and discomfort with their periods than others. Some experience heavier bleeding than others.
These statements are true, but sometimes they have the unintentional effect of leading women to believe that whatever symptoms they experience during their periods are normal and nothing to worry about. This can lead to medical problems being overlooked for years simply because women do not realize their period symptoms are worth mentioning to their OBGYN.
Between the sleepless nights, crying, and changes to your daily routine, the first few days and weeks after having a baby can be exhausting and challenging. It is not uncommon to experience what your doctor refers to as the "baby blues" after giving birth. The changes in hormone levels can lead to changes in mood and typically these changes go away within a few days after childbirth.
However, there are others who suffer from postpartum depression, which many people confuse with the natural and short-term hormonal fluctuations that occur after childbirth.
When you are pregnant, it is even more important to eat a healthy diet. Consuming nutritious foods can help you have a smoother pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby. Here are five helpful tips for eating well during your pregnancy:
Include Folic Acid in Your Diet
Adding folic acid to your diet is one of the best ways to give birth to a healthy baby. In fact, if you get adequate folic acid in your first trimester, your baby will be much less likely to be born with spina bifida and other birth defects.
If you are thinking about getting pregnant, you might be planning on setting a date with your significant other, not with your gynecologist. However, if possible, it is a good idea to meet with your OB/GYN before attempting to get pregnant. These are a few reasons why.
1. Assess Any Risk Factors
First of all, you should know that at your pre-conception appointment, your OB/GYN will look over your medical records and have a pretty in-depth talk with you about your medical history.
Most women are a little hesitant when it comes to getting prepared for their mammography. Knowing the basics up front will help to quell the anxiety that goes along with it.
A mammography is a procedure that allows for imaging of the breast to rule out cancer and/or other abnormalities. X-rays are done of the breasts with low doses of radiation. There may be some discomfort during the procedure, but this is minimal.
